Cops: Aquebogue man charged with DWI in fatal car crash

TIM GANNON PHOTO | This car was struck in Hampton Bays after a fatal car crash early Sunday morning.

Southampton Police arrested an Aquebogue man for driving while intoxicated Sunday morning following a car crash in Hampton Bays that killed a newspaper delivery woman.

According to police, 31-year-old Joseph Perez was driving a 2001 Ford pickup truck westbound on Montauk Highway, near Ponquogue Avenue, around 4:30 a.m. when he hit a parked car, then struck 56-year-old Donna Sartori of Middle Island before hitting her car.

Southampton Town Police, New York State Police Forensic ID & Collision Reconstruction Unit, and the Hampton Bays Fire Department all responded to the scene.

Police said Ms. Sartori was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr. Perez was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center, where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. He was charged with driving while intoxicated. Southampton Sgt. Andrew Ficurilli said Sunday morning that Mr. Perez remains in the hospital, and will likely be arraigned tomorrow.

Police said the investigation is continuing, and are asking anyone who may have information about the crash to call Southampton Town Detectives at 702-2230, or to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-220-TIPS.